A new way of paying is about to be introduced at council run car parks in Bracknell.

Car park operator Vinci Park took over the management of council car parks on July 1 and plans to introduce pay-on-foot machines at the town centre multi-storeys which will take cash, credit and debit cards and smart cards.

At present drivers pay as they leave at automatic barriers

A new parking office will open in the High Street car park to assist drivers.

Later in the year all the surface car parks will have new modern pay and display machines that will take smart cards.

Vinci will also enforce street parking restrictions throughout the borough.

Steve Loudoun, chief officer for environment and public protection, said: “Vinci Park offer a reliable and professional parking management service and so I’m pleased we’re now working together to provide Bracknell Forest residents and visitors an even better service.”

Cllr Mary Ballin, executive member for planning, transport and economic development, said: “Borough council run car parks in Bracknell town centre provide excellent value for money and with the help of Vinci Park we will have some of the most professional people in the business running the service – parking in Bracknell town centre has never been so easy.”

Mark Evans, chief executive of Vinci Park said his firm would provide ‘efficient and user-friendly’ services and said he anticipated a long relationship with the community.